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Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:44:25 GMT2015-08-02T23:44:25Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Timbuktu's historic tombs restored in show of confidence for war-ravaged Malihttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/20/timbuktus-historic-tombs-restored-in-show-of-confidence-for-war-ravaged-mali
<p>Local and international project in ‘city of 33 saints’ reconstructs 14 Sufi mausoleums smashed up by al-Qaida backed extremists</p><p>Some of the ancient mausoleums of Timbuktu, shrines and tombs of Sufi saints which were a place of pilgrimage for centuries have been restored through a local and international project, three years after they were <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/06/2012630101748795606.html">deliberately destroyed by armed groups linked to al-Qaida</a>.<br /></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/mar/27/timbuktu-djinguereber-mosque-history-cities-buildings">Timbuktu's Djinguereber mosque: a history of cities in 50 buildings, day 5</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/20/timbuktus-historic-tombs-restored-in-show-of-confidence-for-war-ravaged-mali">Continue reading...</a>MaliUnescoSufismHeritageAl-QaidaWorld newsAfricaUnited NationsSun, 19 Jul 2015 23:24:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/20/timbuktus-historic-tombs-restored-in-show-of-confidence-for-war-ravaged-maliPhotograph: Baba Ahmed/APOne of the 14 mausoleums that have been restored in Timbuktu, Mali after being destroyed by Islamic extremists.Maev Kennedy2015-07-19T23:24:51ZRubble trouble or Kidd's stuff? Pirate ship hunter says he’s not sunk yethttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/17/pirate-ship-hunter-barry-clifford-captain-kidd
<p>Barry Clifford and Unesco have history. But who has the genuine story behind his discovery of what he believed was the wreck of a Captain Kidd vessel? </p><p>Barry Clifford was once dubbed the <a href="http://reviews.publishersweekly.com/978-0-671-76824-9">Pirate Prince</a>. He was catapulted to fame three decades ago when he discovered a famous sunken 18th-century ship close to his Cape Cod home.</p><p>The self-styled pirate ship hunter recently thought he had hit the jackpot again, first by finding the wreck of notorious Scottish pirate Captain Kidd’s ship off Madagascar, and then with another astonishing haul: a 50kg silver bar that the Madagascan president <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/07/captain-kidd-treasure-found-madagascar">presented to the world</a> in May as possible evidence of Kidd’s buried treasure.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/17/pirate-ship-hunter-barry-clifford-captain-kidd">Continue reading...</a>UnescoUnited NationsWorld newsMadagascarAfricaFri, 17 Jul 2015 14:42:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/17/pirate-ship-hunter-barry-clifford-captain-kiddPhotograph: Manjakahery Tsiresena/AFP/Getty ImagesThe metal bar that Unesco reckoned was mostly lead.Jessica Elgot2015-07-17T14:42:16ZFilm-maker fires broadside at Unesco in row over 'Captain Kidd's treasure' findhttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/15/film-maker-fires-broadside-unesco-row-captain-kidds-treasure-find
<p>Sam Brown, producing a film about reported discovery of buccaneer’s sunken ship off Madagascar, says he is outraged at Unesco analysis of the discovery</p><p>A row has broken out between a documentary film-maker and Unesco after the UN agency rubbished claims that buried treasure belonging to notorious pirate Captain William Kidd had been discovered off a Madagascan island.</p><p>In May, marine archaeologist Barry Clifford unveiled a “silver ingot” before the Madagascan president that he claimed came from the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/07/captain-kidd-treasure-found-madagascar">17th-century buccaneer’s sunken ship</a>.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sainte Marie Island: shipwreck and treasure discovery near the Islet of Madame. Captain Kidd's &quot;Adventure Galley&quot;? <a href="http://t.co/pbLMykXiBo">pic.twitter.com/pbLMykXiBo</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/14/captain-kidd-pirate-treasure-unesco-madagascar">Captain Kidd's 'rediscovered' treasure really just lead and rubble, Unesco says</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/15/film-maker-fires-broadside-unesco-row-captain-kidds-treasure-find">Continue reading...</a>World newsUnescoMadagascarFilmAfricaUnited NationsWed, 15 Jul 2015 15:51:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/15/film-maker-fires-broadside-unesco-row-captain-kidds-treasure-findPhotograph: Manjakahery Tsiresena/AFP/Getty ImagesJessica Elgot2015-07-15T15:51:45ZJapan sites get world heritage status after forced labour acknowledgementhttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/japan-sites-get-world-heritage-status-after-forced-labour-acknowledgement
<p>Use of Korean forced labourers at some of the 23 Meiji period sites Japan says contributed to its transformation from feudalism to modern economy will be acknowledged<br></p><p>Unesco has decided to grant <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/">world heritage status</a> to more than 20 old industrial sites in Japan after officials from the country agreed to acknowledge that some of them used Korean forced labourers before and during the second world war.</p><p>The 23 Meiji period (1868-1912) sites include coalmines and shipyards that Japan says contributed to its transformation from feudalism into a successful modern economy.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/battleship-island-a-symbol-of-japans-progress-or-reminder-of-its-dark-history">Battleship island – a symbol of Japan's progress or reminder of its dark history?</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/05/forth-bridge-named-as-scotlands-sixth-world-heritage-site">Forth Bridge named as Scotland's sixth world heritage site</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/japan-sites-get-world-heritage-status-after-forced-labour-acknowledgement">Continue reading...</a>JapanUnescoHeritageAsia PacificWorld newsSouth KoreaMon, 06 Jul 2015 09:09:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/japan-sites-get-world-heritage-status-after-forced-labour-acknowledgementPhotograph: Jiji Press/AFP/Getty ImagesGunkanjima coalmine, known as Battleship island, in Nagasaki prefecture – one of the sites granted world heritage status by Unesco after South Korea dropped its opposition.Justin McCurry in Tokyo2015-07-06T09:09:53ZAlamo named first World Heritage Site in Texas after nine-year campaignhttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/05/alamo-unesco-world-heritage-site-texas
<p>Spanish colonial missions in San Antonio chosen as part of 23rd US site deemed of ‘outstanding importance’ to human heritage</p><p>A United Nations agency on Sunday named the Alamo and the four Spanish colonial Catholic missions in San Antonio a World Heritage Site, making them the first places in Texas deemed to be of “outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity”. </p><p>The decision capped a nine-year campaign by San Antonio and Texas to have the early 18th-century missions listed alongside world treasures such as Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat. The missions are now the 23rd World Heritage Site in the US. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/05/forth-bridge-named-as-scotlands-sixth-world-heritage-site">Forth Bridge named as Scotland's sixth world heritage site</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/05/alamo-unesco-world-heritage-site-texas">Continue reading...</a>TexasUnescoUnited NationsUS newsWorld newsSun, 05 Jul 2015 19:21:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/05/alamo-unesco-world-heritage-site-texasPhotograph: Eric Gay/APThe Alamo in San Antonio has been named a World Heritage Site.Photograph: Eric Gay/APThe Alamo in San Antonio has been named a World Heritage Site.Reuters in San Antonio2015-07-05T19:21:26ZForth Bridge named as Scotland's sixth world heritage sitehttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/05/forth-bridge-named-as-scotlands-sixth-world-heritage-site
<p>Feat of Victorian engineering has joined St Kilda, Edinburgh and the Great Wall of China on Unesco list, heritage committee announces</p><p>The Forth Bridge, that majestic, russet-hued testament to Victorian engineering, has been confirmed by Unesco as Scotland’s sixth world heritage site. </p><p>The rail bridge, which is 2,529 metres (8,296ft) long and 100 metres high, was the largest cantilever span in the world when it opened in 1890. It joins international landmarks including the Great Wall of China, the Acropolis and the Taj Mahal on the list.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/05/forth-bridge-named-as-scotlands-sixth-world-heritage-site">Continue reading...</a>ScotlandUnescoHeritageCultureUK newsUnited NationsWorld newsSun, 05 Jul 2015 12:07:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/05/forth-bridge-named-as-scotlands-sixth-world-heritage-sitePhotograph: AlamyThe Forth Bridge, described by Gordon Brown as ‘one of the great wonders of the world’.Photograph: AlamyThe Forth Bridge, described by Gordon Brown as ‘one of the great wonders of the world’.Libby Brooks Scotland reporter2015-07-05T12:07:51ZUnesco grants champagne industry world heritage statushttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/05/unesco-champagne-world-heritage-united-nations-french
<p>United Nations cultural body says French ‘hillsides, houses and cellars’ producing and selling champagne are significant enough to merit award</p><p>Champagne corks popped in France on Sunday after Unesco granted the industry world heritage status.</p><p>The United Nations cultural body decided that the “hillsides, houses and cellars” producing and selling champagne were significant enough to merit the award.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/battleship-island-a-symbol-of-japans-progress-or-reminder-of-its-dark-history">Battleship island – a symbol of Japan's progress or reminder of its dark history?</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/unesco-impotence-world-heritage-status">Unesco impotence takes shine off world heritage status</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/05/unesco-champagne-world-heritage-united-nations-french">Continue reading...</a>UnescoFranceWineEuropeWorld newsSun, 05 Jul 2015 10:50:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/05/unesco-champagne-world-heritage-united-nations-frenchPhotograph: Francois Nascimbeni/AFP/Getty ImagesChampagne vineyards in Mailly-Champagne near Reims, eastern France. Unesco has granted the industry world heritage status, following intense lobbying by France.Kim Willsher in Paris2015-07-05T10:50:31ZBattleship island – a symbol of Japan's progress or reminder of its dark history?http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/battleship-island-a-symbol-of-japans-progress-or-reminder-of-its-dark-history
<p>Japan seeks Unesco recognition for Hashima island, known as Battleship island, but the bid makes no mention of its history as a site of slave labour</p><p>The hardship is still etched on Tomoji Kobata’s face, more than half a century after he left Gunkanjima, a disused undersea coalmine at the centre of another diplomatic tussle between Japan and South Korea over their wartime legacy. <br /></p><p>There was the time he nearly fainted during his first, stomach-churning descent into the mineshaft; the coal dust that would fall from his face into his food; and the exhaustion that would consume him when he returned every evening to his tiny flat.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/battleship-island-a-symbol-of-japans-progress-or-reminder-of-its-dark-history">Continue reading...</a>JapanAsia PacificWorld newsUnescoSecond world warSouth KoreaFri, 03 Jul 2015 10:19:41 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/battleship-island-a-symbol-of-japans-progress-or-reminder-of-its-dark-historyPhotograph: Justin McCurry for the GuardianTomoji Kobata. Photograph: Justin McCurryPhotograph: Justin McCurry for the GuardianGunkanjima from the sea.Photograph: Francois Duhamel/APThe actor Javier Bardem as Raoul Silva on Gunkanjima in the film Skyfall.Photograph: Justin McCurry for the GuardianGunkanjima.Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/APTourists visit a part of Hashima island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, which means battleship island, off Nagasaki prefecture, southern Japan.Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/APTourists visit a part of Hashima island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, which means battleship island, off Nagasaki prefecture, southern Japan.Justin McCurry on Gunkanjima2015-07-03T10:19:41ZIsis militants destroy 2,000-year-old statue of lion at Palmyrahttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/isis-militants-destroy-palmyra-stone-lion-al-lat
<p>Syrian antiquities director says destruction of Lion of al-Lat statue dating from 1st century BC at Palmyra museum is serious crime against world heritage site</p><p>Islamic State jihadis have destroyed a 2,000-year-old statue of a lion outside the museum in the Syrian city of Palmyra, the country’s antiquities director has said.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/01/unesco-to-use-satellites-to-monitor-ancient-sites-threaten-by-isis">Unesco to use satellites to monitor ancient sites threatened by Isis</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/20/syrian-city-of-palmyra-falls-under-control-of-isis">Palmyra: historic Syrian city falls under control of Isis</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/isis-militants-destroy-palmyra-stone-lion-al-lat">Continue reading...</a>Islamic StateSyriaHeritageWorld newsMiddle East and North AfricaCultureArchaeologyScienceUnescoUnited NationsThu, 02 Jul 2015 18:05:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/isis-militants-destroy-palmyra-stone-lion-al-latPhotograph: G Dagli Orti/De Agostini/GettyPart of the Roman ruins in Palmyra. The jihadis have reportedly mined the unique ruins and blown up historic Muslim graves.Agence France-Presse in Beirut2015-07-02T18:05:24ZUnesco impotence takes shine off world heritage statushttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/unesco-impotence-world-heritage-status
<p>Organisation faces criticism for not only failing to protect sites from fanatics and planners but also accelerating their destruction by encouraging tourism</p><p>The Forth bridge is likely to join the wine cellars of Champagne and the Uruguayan birthplace of Fray Bentos tinned pies in being welcomed into the hallowed ranks of Unesco world heritage sites, following the 39th session of the UN’s heritage committee in Bonn this week.</p><p>The 18 sites recommended for approval by experts at the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature range from the Tusi tribal villages of south-west China to the Christiansfeld Moravian settlement in Denmark. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/unesco-impotence-world-heritage-status">Continue reading...</a>UnescoHeritageCultureWorld newsUnited NationsChinaAsiaAsia PacificTravelCambodiaTurkeyTurkeyWonders of the worldLondonDresdenOmanBeijingThe Great Wall of ChinaAngkor WatEnglandEuropeGermanyMiddle EastUnited KingdomThu, 02 Jul 2015 14:55:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/unesco-impotence-world-heritage-statusPhotograph: Michael Reynolds/EPABeijing’s Forbidden City.Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PAThe Forth bridge in Scotland.Oliver Wainwright2015-07-02T14:55:11ZUN calls for ban on logging and mining in Tasmania's world heritage areahttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jul/02/un-calls-for-ban-on-logging-and-mining-in-tasmanias-world-heritage-area
<p>Unesco also demands state government rethink its proposal to escalate the building of tourism infrastructure in the world heritage area</p><p>The UN has called for a blanket ban on logging and mining in Tasmania’s world heritage area and demanded the Tasmanian government rethink its new management plan for the vast wilderness.<br /></p><p>The 21 countries on Unesco’s world heritage committee have ratified a draft decision that the government must “ensure that commercial logging and mining are not permitted within the entire property” and that a proposed new strategy for the wilderness area is reviewed so that ecological values are fully protected.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jul/02/un-calls-for-ban-on-logging-and-mining-in-tasmanias-world-heritage-area">Continue reading...</a>TasmaniaUnescoAustralia newsEnvironmentMiningDeforestationTasmanian politicsTrees and forestsConservationUnited NationsIndigenous AustraliansThu, 02 Jul 2015 03:46:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jul/02/un-calls-for-ban-on-logging-and-mining-in-tasmanias-world-heritage-areaPhotograph: Rob Blakers/AAPTasmania’s world heritage area covers about 1.5m hectares – about 20% of the state’s land mass.Oliver Milman2015-07-02T03:46:32ZUnesco spares Great Barrier Reef 'in-danger' listing but issues warninghttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/01/great-barrier-reef-spared-unesco-in-danger-listing-un
<p>Unesco world heritage committee passes draft ruling that reef’s status remain unchanged, but says Australia must do more to prevent further damage<br></p><p>The UN has ruled against listing the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger”, congratulating Australia on its conservation plan but giving it five years to halt deterioration of the natural icon.</p><p>Unesco’s world heritage committee in Germany on Wednesday unanimously passed an <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/29/great-barrier-reef-shouldnt-be-on-in-danger-list-for-now-says-unesco">earlier draft ruling</a> that the reef’s status remain unchanged but that Australia must show significant progress in pushing its plan by the end of 2016.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/01/great-barrier-reef-spared-unesco-in-danger-listing-un">Continue reading...</a>Great Barrier ReefQueenslandQueensland politicsMarine lifeGreenpeaceGreg HuntActivismWWFUnited NationsUnescoConservationEnvironmentProtestWildlifeWorld newsWed, 01 Jul 2015 20:33:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/01/great-barrier-reef-spared-unesco-in-danger-listing-unPhotograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty ImagesAustralia came under fire for its care of the reef, which has lost half of its coral cover in 30 years.Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty ImagesAustralia came under fire for its care of the reef, which has lost half of its coral cover in 30 years.Joshua Robertson2015-07-01T20:33:32ZUnesco to use satellites to monitor ancient sites threatened by Isishttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/01/unesco-to-use-satellites-to-monitor-ancient-sites-threaten-by-isis
<p>Satellite monitoring is one of a series of steps Unesco’s director general is proposing to tackle damage and destruction that she calls ‘cultural cleansing’</p><p>Unesco is set to finalise a satellite deal to improve its monitoring of ancient sites in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya that face looting and destruction by groups such as Islamic State.<br /></p><p>Satellite images are of high enough resolution to show illegal activity around sensitive sites, Irina Bokova, Unesco’s director general, said in an interview with the Guardian.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/24/palmyra-syria-isis-destruction-of-treasures-feared">Religious teaching that drives Isis to threaten the ancient ruins of Palmyra</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/23/isis-destroys-palmyra-shrines-in-syria">Isis destroys Palmyra shrines in Syria</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/may/17/destruction-palmyra-history-worst-cultural-atrocity">Coalition air strikes should defend Palmyra – it belongs to the whole world | Rowan Moore</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/01/unesco-to-use-satellites-to-monitor-ancient-sites-threaten-by-isis">Continue reading...</a>Islamic StateUnescoUnited NationsWorld newsSyriaIraqYemenLibyaAfricaMiddle East and North AfricaWed, 01 Jul 2015 18:15:41 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/01/unesco-to-use-satellites-to-monitor-ancient-sites-threaten-by-isisPhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesAn Islamic State flag flies atop Roman ruins at the ancient city of Palmyra.Ewen MacAskill Defence correspondent2015-07-01T18:15:41ZQueensland minister says green groups forced radical shift on Great Barrier Reefhttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/30/queensland-minister-says-green-groups-forced-radical-shift-on-great-barrier-reef
<p data-dropid="0">Steven Miles welcomes being ‘held to account’ after his federal counterpart Greg Hunt accused environmental groups of waging a ‘deceptive campaign’</p><p>Government moves to protect the Great Barrier Reef would not have occurred but for green groups “holding governments to account”, Queensland’s environment minister, Steven Miles, says.</p><p>The federal environment minister, Greg Hunt, has accused environment groups of exaggerating threats to the reef, citing Greenpeace for waging a “deceptive campaign” to have it declared “in danger” by the UN.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/30/queensland-minister-says-green-groups-forced-radical-shift-on-great-barrier-reef">Continue reading...</a>Great Barrier ReefQueenslandAustralia newsQueensland politicsEnvironmentMarine lifeGreenpeaceGreg HuntActivismWWFConservationUnescoUnited NationsTue, 30 Jun 2015 02:20:33 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/30/queensland-minister-says-green-groups-forced-radical-shift-on-great-barrier-reefPhotograph: DigitalGlobe/Getty ImagesA satellite view of the Great Barrier Reef. Steven Miles and Greg Hunt are travelling to Germany this week for a final UN decision on whether the reef should be declared in danger.Joshua Robertson2015-06-30T02:20:33ZAlmost a third of China's Great Wall has disappearedhttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/china-great-wall-third-disappeared
<p data-dropid="0">Natural erosion, damage from tourists and people stealing bricks to build houses mean estimates of the wall’s length now vary from 9,000–21,000 km</p><p>Around 30% of China’s Ming-era Great Wall has disappeared over time as adverse natural conditions and reckless human activities – including stealing bricks to build houses – erode the <a draggable="true" href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/unesco">Unesco</a> world heritage site, state media has reported.</p><p>The Great Wall is not a single unbroken structure but <a href="http://www.chinatouristmaps.com/travel/beijing/great-wall/location.html">stretches for thousands of miles in sections</a>, from <a href="http://gi2c-blog.org/2013/10/09/daytrip-from-beijing-qinhuangdao/">Shanhaiguan</a> on the east coast to <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/scene/gansu/jiayuguan.htm">Jiayuguan</a> in the windswept sands on the edge of the Gobi desert to the west.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/china-great-wall-third-disappeared">Continue reading...</a>ChinaUnescoAsia PacificWorld newsMon, 29 Jun 2015 13:29:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/china-great-wall-third-disappearedPhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesVisitors to the Great Wall of China just north of Beijing.Photograph: AFP/Getty ImagesVisitors to the Great Wall of China just north of Beijing.Agence France-Presse in Beijing2015-06-29T13:29:35ZGreat Barrier Reef water quality to be monitored in real time in pollution crackdownhttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/26/great-barrier-reef-water-quality-to-be-monitored-in-real-time-in-pollution-crackdown
<p>Queensland government defends coalminer’s investment in online tracking tool, which will be showcased to world heritage committee ahead of Unesco’s final ruling on ‘in danger’ listing</p><p>The Queensland government will use new real-time water quality monitoring to take action against industrial and agricultural polluters of the Great Barrier Reef, says the state environment minister.</p><p>Steven Miles also defended the role of the state’s largest coalminer, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), as a cornerstone investor in the <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/marinewaterquality/">“eReef”</a> tool, despite carbon-driven climate change being the reef’s greatest long-term threat.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/29/great-barrier-reef-shouldnt-be-on-in-danger-list-for-now-says-unesco">Great Barrier Reef shouldn't be on 'in danger' list for now, says Unesco</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/26/great-barrier-reef-water-quality-to-be-monitored-in-real-time-in-pollution-crackdown">Continue reading...</a>Great Barrier ReefQueenslandEnvironmentQueensland politicsMarine lifeAustralia newsWildlifeConservationPollutionClimate changeWaterEndangered habitatsCoalUnescoFri, 26 Jun 2015 08:10:39 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/26/great-barrier-reef-water-quality-to-be-monitored-in-real-time-in-pollution-crackdownPhotograph: Art Wolfe/Mint Images/CorbisScientists hope the eReef tracker will help transform stewardship of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, with members of the public able to measure progress in checking flows of sediments, nutrients and pesticides into reef waters via local rivers.Joshua Robertson2015-06-26T08:10:39ZDundee: from black sheep of Scottish cities to 'living cultural experiment'http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jun/22/dundee-scotland-design-v-and-a-culture-regeneration-minecraft-grand-theft-auto
<p>When the V&amp;A Museum of Design opens in 2018, it will put a flourish on Dundee’s remarkable reinvention as a creative hub ... as long as the city doesn’t overlook that it’s still one of the most deprived places in Scotland</p><p>Chris Van Der Kuyl set up his first video game company in Dundee in the mid-1990s. “It was an industrial landscape,” he says of the city, which had been bled of heavy industry from the 1970s onwards. “Everything was closing, everyone was leaving.”</p><p>Van Der Kuyl’s 4J Studios would go on to help develop the global gaming sensation Minecraft; next year he will open a new digital headquarters on the city’s docks. “It’s not the V&amp;A but it will cost a few million,” he laughs.</p><p>'The notion in 1991 of three cycle cafes and the V&amp;A? You wouldn't have believed it'</p><p>'In Dundee you have to make your own fun. You’re forced to do it yourself'</p><p>'Across Europe there are thousands of small, post-industrial cities trying to understand what their future is'</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jun/22/dundee-scotland-design-v-and-a-culture-regeneration-minecraft-grand-theft-auto">Continue reading...</a>CitiesDundeeDesignArt and designCultureScotlandUK newsV&AMuseumsGamesTechnologyMinecraftGrand Theft AutoUnescoHigher educationEducationMon, 22 Jun 2015 06:30:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jun/22/dundee-scotland-design-v-and-a-culture-regeneration-minecraft-grand-theft-autoPhotograph: Christian Petersen/GettyMinecraft, here being presented at a Microsoft press conference on 15 June in LA, was partly developed by a Dundee firm.Photograph: Christian Petersen/GettyMinecraft, here being presented at a Microsoft press conference on 15 June in LA, was partly developed by a Dundee firm.Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/GuardianA view over Dundee. The city has some of the most deprived areas in the UK.Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/GuardianA view over Dundee. The city has some of the most deprived areas in the UK.Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/GuardianDundee Rep Theatre, the last repertory theatre in the UK.Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/GuardianDundee Rep Theatre, the last repertory theatre in the UK.Photograph: Murdo MacLeod for the GuardianPeter Geoghegan2015-06-22T06:30:05ZNepal reopens Unesco heritage sites – in pictureshttp://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/jun/15/nepal-reopens-unesco-heritage-sites-in-pictures
<p>Unesco world heritage sites including Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and the Boudhanath stupa were reopened on Monday by Nepalese authorities keen to bring back tourism following the devastating earthquake</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/jun/15/nepal-reopens-unesco-heritage-sites-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>NepalNepal earthquake 2015World newsNatural disasters and extreme weatherSouth and Central AsiaUnescoHeritageNepalAsiaCultureTravelUnited NationsMon, 15 Jun 2015 16:20:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/jun/15/nepal-reopens-unesco-heritage-sites-in-picturesPhotograph: Niranjan Shrestha/APMatt Fidler2015-06-15T16:20:20Z'Air strike' kills five in historic district of Sana'ahttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/12/air-strike-kills-five-sanaa-old-city-yemen
<p>Saudi-led coalition denies carrying out air strike in area described by Unesco as a jewel of Islamic culture</p><p> Five people have died and several buildings were destroyed in the old quarter of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, in what witnesses said was an air strike.</p><p>Sana’a’s old city has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years and was a centre for the propagation of Islam, boasting more than 100 mosques, 14 public baths and more than 6,000 houses built before the 11th century. Unesco calls it a jewel of Islamic culture and added the site to its world heritage list in 1986.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/01/yemen-people-suffer-lack-food-power-medical-aid-battles-rage-on">Yemenis suffer from lack of food, power and medical aid as battles rage on</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/12/air-strike-kills-five-sanaa-old-city-yemen">Continue reading...</a>YemenWorld newsMiddle East and North AfricaUnescoFri, 12 Jun 2015 15:38:48 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/12/air-strike-kills-five-sanaa-old-city-yemenPhotograph: Xinhua/Rex ShutterstockThe scene of the destruction of buildings in the old city of Sana’a where five people died.Photograph: Xinhua/Rex ShutterstockThe scene of the destruction of buildings in the old city of Sana’a where five people died.Agence France-Presse in Sana'a2015-06-12T15:38:48ZGreat Barrier Reef meets criteria for 'in danger' listing by Unesco, say lawyershttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/11/great-barrier-reef-meets-criteria-for-in-danger-listing-by-unesco-say-lawyers
<p>An analysis by environmental advocates claims the degradation of the reef meets five out eight possible reasons for listing by the world heritage committee</p><p>Degradation of the Great Barrier Reef overwhelmingly meets the criteria for an “in danger” listing by Unesco, according to a joint report by environmental lawyers from Australia and the US.</p><p>The <a href="https://envirojustice.org.au/protecting-the-great-barrier-reef-report">report</a> challenges a draft UN ruling, ahead of a final decision by the world heritage committee in Germany this month, not to proceed with a listing that requires only one of eight criteria to be met.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/11/great-barrier-reef-meets-criteria-for-in-danger-listing-by-unesco-say-lawyers">Continue reading...</a>Great Barrier ReefAustralia newsEnvironmentMarine lifeAustralian politicsWildlifeWorld newsUnescoThu, 11 Jun 2015 12:00:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/11/great-barrier-reef-meets-criteria-for-in-danger-listing-by-unesco-say-lawyersPhotograph: Andrew Watson/Getty ImagesThe Great Barrier Reef is suffering ‘serious decline in endangered species and threats from development’.Joshua Robertson2015-06-11T12:00:08Z